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Precious. What was precious to her? There wasn't much for her to cherish. Not even her own life.
A soothing melody. The sound of a music box winding as the sweet tunes overflow.
Sitting on the carpeted floor while staring at the music box was a little girl. Her eyes remained downcast as she continued to crank her toy every time the song slowed, signaling the end to come. Surrounding her were scattered papers with nothing but scribbles on them. She didn't have much time left. She could sense the inevitability of her end approaching. The Hunter - a monster dressed in hunting gear and a sack over his face, had captured her and kept her imprisoned for almost a month now.
If he didn't have sinister plans for her, he would have given her a swift and painless death with his shotgun. But he didn't. He had kept her alive all this time. Sometimes, he would come in to give her food but that was it. Most of the food remained untouched. She wasn't trying to starve on purpose. It wasn't like she was trying to rebel or anything. Rather, she had reached the point where she no longer value her life. It wasn't precious to her. Living like this, how could anyone cherish that? Wasting away as the clock ticked down.
She didn't really care what fate has in store for her. There was no meaning. No purpose. Nothing. Here, she waits. Waiting to see who will open the only exit of her prison. If it was death waiting for her on the other side, she didn't have the strength to resist it anymore. She'll accept it without complaint. However, if it wasn't death at the other end... she wouldn't know what to do.
~oOo~
Tonight, the moonlight streamed through her room, shining down at her as she continued to wind her toy endlessly. She continued and continued. Despite she'd resigned herself to fate, why was she resolved to continue playing the melody over and over again? Despite she'd given up, maybe a tiny ounce of self-preservation and the desire to live was still inside of her somewhere. Probably...
It had been a month. The Hunter must have been practicing on small prey to not make mistakes when he plans to start working on her body. She didn't even k-
SMASH!
Startled, the girl looked up to see a blade cutting against the wood. It disappeared only to be slammed right back, breaking down the flimsy material. Instantly, she knew. Someone was trying to break in! The lower half of the door was completely demolished in three strikes! Outside, standing in front of her was a child. They were panting heavily, probably from lifting such a heavy weapon which was revealed to be an axe in their hands.
She didn't run when they entered. Instead, she stood up and tilted her head, observing the child who had just broken into her prison. Who were they? She studied them. They were wearing mostly dull colors, a brown shirt, and matching pants. The only color in their attire was their olive green trench coat. From their stature, she could tell they were a smidge taller than her, possibly even older than her, too. All of her observations and the fact that they had the muscle to carry an axe gave her the impression of a boy, but she couldn't be sure of their gender. Despite they were wearing a paper bag over their head, when their eyes met, something told her that they were giving her a sheepish smile.
"Hi, I'm Mono," they introduced, their voice sounding masculine. Dropping the axe, they gave her a friendly wave. Mimicking them, she returned a small wave at them. "What's your name?"
The girl opened her mouth to speak but she immediately closed it, frowning at the child. A name? She didn't have one. She ducked her head in shame, fidgeting with her fingers. How could she answer the question when she had no name? The Hunter never spoke to her, so she couldn't use any possible names he could have given her, not that she would use them if he did name her though.
She could sense that Mono was confused if not getting impatient. Anyone would if it took this long to give a reply. Hesitantly, the child spoke, "Are you mute?"
In response to that question, the girl shook her head. She could speak. However, she never really found a meaning to use her voice. Even right now, she could communicate without using her words.
"Do you not have a name and that's why you couldn't answer?" Immediately, her eyes widened as she looked up at Mono, giving a nod for her answer. "Okay, we can make one for you! What should it be? You're really okay if I give you a name?"
They sound so happy with their slightly high-pitched voice and the excited gleam in their dark eyes, how could she refuse? Once more, she nodded her head a bit more eagerly this time. Just like how Mono was enthusiastic to give her a name, she was excited at receiving one. Whatever name was given to her, she'll cherish it.
For a few minutes, Mono had thought hard. They were putting a finger to their chin as they tried to think of a name. And while they were thinking, the girl stayed where she was, waiting patiently and expectantly.
Suddenly, the tune of the music box ended as it sang its last notes, drawing the kids' attention to the now silent toy. The girl blinked at it, looking beside her feet before returning her gaze back to the spot. She had thought that the music box was next to her. Perhaps she had accidentally pushed it away when Mono had axed the door and didn't notice its distance from her until now.
Mono had reacted by picking the trinket up before turning his eyes onto her. "You really like this music box?" Smiling, she nodded. "Hmm, then... from the letters of this music box, your name should be 'Six'! It's also a number just like mine!"
"Six..." she spoke for the first time, testing out the name.
A name. She finally had a name! Because of this music box! Because of Mono! To be given a name... was so precious to her. The name 'Six' was precious. This moment right here, both of them bathed in the gentle moonlight was also precious. Looking up at the child, she smiled at them endearingly, "Six... is my name."
Walking up to Mono and closing the distance between the two of them, she took the music box from their hands and gave it a hug. Laughing lightly, the child inquired, "Is that music box your treasure?"
That was a good question to ask. Before, Six didn't consider the trinket in her hands to be special. Up until now, it was just a mere toy for her to pass the time until the Hunter come to fetch her. But now... it holds a significant place in her heart.
Without a moment's hesitation, she declared with a brilliant smile, "It is now. Because of this music box, 'Six' is now connected to Mono!"
"R-Really?" Mono stuttered in awe and embarrassment as they shyly shifted their eyes to avoid her gaze.
"Mm-hm! I'll treasure it!" Six looked at the child with sparkles in her eyes. "This music box, you, and my name... I'll treasure it all!"